what can I get by with?

i play the kestral 2's with 60 wpc push pull. the k2's are apparently more efficient than the originals.. are you sure of sensitivity value.? if so, the obvious ? is how loud do you need them to play? do you have a decibel meter, if so just do the math. if it is truly 86db i doubt you will really get them singing the way you should but it depends on the source, room, etc. honestly i don't think 86 db. speakers are a decent choice for low powered amp even if it is the SET type. of course if you bought some hi $$$ SET you may pull it off but at that point you might as well get more eff. spkrs. interesting question tho!

i think the made in china 'assumption' is foolish, but if you can find a tube amp with every part made in usa or similarly politcally correct countries go for it... i respect your choice. russian tubes? silver mined in mud pits in brazil by child slaves etc. just kidding , but seriously, electrical components are not anything mystical as you know. as far as e bay. that is a different discussion. interested in selling the hot rods?